Associated Press
SANTA FE - The state Supreme Court showed new resolve in its support of pandemic-related health restrictions placed on businesses by the governor of New Mexico, in a detailed written opinion Monday.
At the same time, the Legislature took initial steps that could place new limits on Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's authority to declare a health emergency.
The Supreme Court opinion provides detailed and updated reasoning for its rejection in August of a lawsuit brought by several restaurants and their industry association to challenge restrictions on restaurant dining.
"New Mexico has not entered a 'new normal,' nor do the temporary emergency orders constitute 'long-term policy' decisions. New Mexico remains in a state of emergency," the court said in an opinion lead by retired Justice Judith K. Nakamura.